ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Knox County Schools Remove Alex Haley's 'Roots' from Libraries

cultural-heritage · 2026-05-15

In Tennessee, Knox County Schools have opted to take Alex Haley's Pulitzer Prize-winning book 'Roots' out of school libraries. This novel chronicles the lineage of a man who was sold into slavery in the United States and inspired a significant television miniseries adaptation. Additionally, a statue honoring Haley is located in East Knoxville. WATE reported on this decision.

Key facts

  • Knox County Schools removed Alex Haley's 'Roots' from school libraries.
  • 'Roots' won the Pulitzer Prize.
  • The book was adapted into a mini-series.
  • A statue of Alex Haley is located in East Knoxville.
  • The removal was reported by WATE.

Entities

Artists

  • Alex Haley

Institutions

  • Knox County Schools
  • WATE

Locations

  • Knoxville
  • Tennessee
  • United States
  • East Knoxville

Sources